Hiking the Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery

Itinerary

Day 1

8 hours | +1100 m/-400 m

Sofia

Early start from Sofia. We may also suggest places to stay in the beautiful village of Sapareva Banya (30 min away from the starting point), famous with its thermal springs, and pick you up from there in the morning. The starting point of the trek is located 1,5 hours drive from the capital and is also accessible by public transport.

Zeleni Preslop

Skakavitsa Hut

One hour hike to Skakavitsa Hut, where we’ll make a detour to see the Skakavitsa Waterfall, the one with the biggest water drop in Rila Mountains.

Skakvitsa Waterfall

The Seven Rila Lakes

Further we hike along the Dry Ridge that offers great panoramas towards the lower of the Seven Lakes. Finally we get to the Kidney Lake, the Eye and the Teardrop Lakes. The last section of the ascent takes us up to a high ridge at 2600 m at Razdela Pass. Most visitors do not reach this point where all the lakes are below us.

Ivan Vazov Hut

From here we descend in west direction for another hour to Ivan Vazov Hut, located at 2300 m. Accommodation in the hut – dormitories, common WC, no shower, free views to the night sky and beer (not for free). Sheets and food are provided in the hut.
Day 1
Itinerary

Day 2

6 hours | +200/-1350 m

Ivan Vazov Hut

The day starts with a gentle ascent along the valley, called Pazardere Valley. For about 1,5 hours we reach the Baucher Ridge and start a long panoramic descent towards the monastery.

Rila Monastery

For about 4,5 hours we’ll drop down 1350 metres to the bottom of the valley. We’ll visit the monastery on foot as its been visited centuries ago, before the development of the infrastructure…

Sofia

From the monastery there are buses to the town of Blagoevgrad and Sofia.
Day 2

Equipment Needed

hiking boots
rucksack (35-45 l)
waterproof and windproof jacket
rain cover
sun hat
sun lotion
sunglasses
warm hat and gloves
water bottle (1,5 litres)
travel liner
torch
personal first aid kit

Contact Us

Contact us if you have any additional questions. If you would like to purchase this tour package for 1 or 8+ people, please speak to us or fill out our form and we wll prepare a custom quote for you.

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